This is one of the possible [[assignments for essays]] you can choose. (T1: Communication) There’s considerable overlap between writing an essay and writing a letter. Each calls for honesty and clarity, and a sensitivity toward your intended reader’s perspective. (Here’s a little [video clip where I talk about that](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zg0XijQ2B0OgmukPZyXm5oXZNObKhimz/view?usp=share_link).) Each is an attempt to connect your mind to someone else’s, usually without the protective cover of fictional conventions. The best letters and essays emerge when the writer actually cares, and is trying to communicate an important message to a recipient whose opinion they actually care about. The process calls for vulnerability in the drafting phase, and precision in the editing phase—you want to gather as many as possible of the parts that could be included, and then later look closely at your pile of words to determine which parts are relevant, and where there may be parts missing. Ask yourself if the overall image you’ve created matches how you want or need to present yourself in this very specific instance. Crafting a letter is an opportunity to practice “writing so you can’t be misunderstood” (as opposed to writing merely to be understood). Paying close, personal attention to the words you put together for someone else’s benefit is a great place to start. ##### Suggestions - write to one of the most important people in your life - write to someone who needs to be persuaded of something - write to someone who needs to understand or see something more clearly - write to your future self - write to your past self - write to someone else in your past that you may not be able to talk to anymore - write to a child or an imagined future child - write to something you’re afraid, anxious, excited, or celebratory about (could be a physical object or an abstract concept ([here’s an example!](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hYVpGuk_FMNXH_zb7-FSwVtf2GpXptc3/view?usp=drive_link))) You do not actually have to send the letter(s) if you don't want to. But if you *do* want to, [this “Write a letter to your future self” site](https://www.futureme.org) looks cool! (Disclaimer: I have not thoroughly investigated this and cannot guarantee anything about it in terms of reliability, privacy, generation of spam, etc.) If you wish to share any or all of what you came up with, you’re welcome to [post it on this padlet](https://padlet.com/eachieveacademy1/letters-to-anyone-or-anything-e147jzv5cwagk6xm). If you want your username shown, log in using [Classlink](https://login.classlink.com/my/sdw) first (assuming that’s still how the district is accessing Padlet at the time you’re reading this; who knows). If you want to remain anonymous, I think you can post without logging in. Again, who knows. If you know, maybe let me know. Ugh. Dependence on third-party platforms is fraught with uncertainty. Suggested word count: ≥500 (PRO); ≥750 (ADV)